Hundreds of AMWU members and their families have celebrated the labour movement at annual Labour Day rallies across Queensland this week.

AMWU Acting State Secretary Rohan Webb said the union proudly marched with renewed vigour and a new brand.

“From Brisbane to Cairns, all along the coast and in the NT the AMWU was there to make its presence felt, in most cases leading the rallies.

“We re-kitted ourselves this year and revitalised our brand. Our colours were loud and bright, our signage, shirts and hats were all designed to show that our union is alive and modern.”

He said Queenslanders continued to enthusiastically embrace May Day rallies and events, helped by a public holiday each year on the first Monday in May.  

“Our members are workers but they have families as well. The day is catered for families and in particular towards kids. It’s a day for families to get together to celebrate workers rights and the labour movement.

“It was great to see so many attend the rallies. The next generations are the future of our union and our movement and they were there in big numbers as they always are.

“Take Bill Fleming, our retired member who first marched as an apprentice in 1943.  He’s been along every year since and now he brings his grandchildren…this is exactly what May Day is about.”

Mr Webb said the 160th anniversary of the union was the centerpiece of the AMWU’s message.

“Governments come and go but the reality is the AMWU has stood the test of time. We’ve been around for 160 years and we’ll be around for another 160.”

Click here to read the story of rally participant and retired AMWU member Bill Fleming, who marched with his grandchildren.